Distributed Channel State Measurement in Multi-Mode Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions fail to effectively measure channel state information in multi-mode, multi-hop wireless networks, as they are either centralized and specific to star topologies or single-mode operations, lacking the ability to coordinate nodes for simultaneous Tx/Rx mode measurements across all links.
Innovation Solution
A distributed protocol that synchronizes nodes to transmit and receive on multiple Tx/Rx modes, using broadcast probe packets with timestamps to measure channel state information, which can be implemented at the MAC layer or higher, independent of wireless technology, and includes methods to reduce measurement complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If centralized channel state measurement mechanisms are used in star topology networks, then measurement can be performed on individual links, but the solution cannot be applied to distributed multi-hop wireless networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distributed probe packet transmissions from multiple nodes rather than centralized measurements. Each node independently transmits probe packets and measures channel state, dividing the complex centralized task into simpler distributed operations that work for both star and mesh topologies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement mechanism that functions across different network topologies (star, mesh, and hybrid). The probe packet-based approach and timing coordination mechanism work universally regardless of whether nodes are connected to a central base station or distributed peer-to-peer
2Adaptability or versatility
If single-mode channel state measurements are used in IEEE 802.11 networks, then broadcast probe packets can measure RSS at each receiver, but the solution cannot handle multi-mode wireless networks where nodes must coordinate Tx-Rx modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where nodes systematically switch between different Tx-Rx modes in a predetermined sequence. Each node transmits probe packets periodically on different modes, and receivers measure channel state for each mode during their designated time slots, ensuring complete multi-mode coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined timing schedules and mode sequences before measurements begin. Nodes are pre-configured with knowledge of which modes to transmit/receive on at specific times, eliminating the need for real-time negotiation and reducing coordination overhead during actual measurements
3Productivity
If nodes transmit broadcast probe packets sequentially in N cycles, then channel state of all links can be measured, but the measurement process becomes inefficient for multi-mode networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the mode dimension to the traditional single-cycle measurement approach. Instead of measuring all links in one cycle and repeating for each mode separately, the system measures multiple modes simultaneously across different time slots within the same measurement framework, effectively transforming the measurement space
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for measuring channel state information of multiple transmission/reception modes in a wireless network comprising a plurality of nodes, said modes being defined by frequency channels and/or antenna patterns, said wireless network comprising a MAC (Media Access Control) layer and every node comprising at least one MAC queue, comprising the steps of: periodically sending broadcast probe packets by at least one node called transmitter node (u), using a pre-determined and globally known period and predetermined sequence of transmission modes, each of said probe packets containing (i) the transmission mode used for its transmission (ii) a sequence number of the transmission mode in the pre-determined sequence of transmission modes and (iii) a timestamp value containing the time said broadcast probe packet was buffered at the MAC queue of the transmitter node (u); measuring, by at least one second node called receiving node (v) receiving a broadcast probe packet, channel state information of a transmission/reception mode for the link between the transmitter node (u) and the receiving node (v); storing, by said receiving node (v),said measured transmission/reception mode for said link; using information contained in said received broadcast probe packet, by said receiving node (v), to determine (i) its reception mode and (ii) the beginning and end time instants it will use this reception mode, in order to receive a further broadcast probe packet and measure the next transmission mode of transmitter node (u), during a next measurement period of transmitter node (u).